Fr. Ed Panlilio hits rise of ‘jueteng lords’ to ‘kings’, ‘queens’ from ‘kingmakers’

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III leads the proclamation of Liberal Party candidates in Pampanga for the 2013 elections for governor Fr. Eddie T. Among Ed Panlilio (2nd from right) and his runningmate Atty. Ma. Amalia Tiglao-Cayanan held in Heroes Hall Compound, San Fernando, Pampanga. Also in photo are DOTC Sec. Joseph Emilio Abaya (L) and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas (R). LYN RILLON/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

SAN JUAN, Pampanga — From being “kingmakers,” jueteng lords are now the “kings” and “queens” in this home province of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Catholic priest Eddie Panlilio said on Friday.

And so at a rally held at the Heroes Hall here, led by no less than President Benigno Aquino III, Panlilio called on the President to put an end to the illegal numbers game “jueteng” in Pampanga.

“Ipamahala sa PCSO ang tunay na paglalaro nito at bigyan ng aleternatibong kabuhayan ang mga nagtatrabaho sa jueteng,” said Panlilio who is running for governor under Team PNoy against incumbent Lilia Pined.

PCSO stands for Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

In a press conference before the rally, Panlilio said it was surprising that in 21 cities and municipalities of Pampanga, some candidates were running unopposed.

“It’s a belief amongst many people here, that unless you are supported by the jueteng lords, it’s very difficult to win. And we’d like and work hard to reverse that impression,” he said.

Aside from “jueteng politics,” Panlilio said the effect of political dynasty was being felt now in the province.

He said many of those running for executive and legislative posts were either mother and daugher/son, father and daughter/son, or husband and wife.